In this podcast, Michael Carter explains the basis for the tort of 'passing off' and outlines the circumstances in which it can be used alongside, or in place of, trademark rights to protect 'goodwill' in a business.

This year’s five-strong cohort is Addleshaws’ smallest partner promotions round since 2010. In 2015, the firm made up 18 lawyers to its partnership, while eight were promoted in both 2014 and 2013.

All of this year’s new partners are male. Last year, five (33%) of the new partners were female.

Two of the new partners are in corporate – Will Chalk in Manchester and Oliver Stevens in Oman. This marks the second year that the firm has promoted lawyers to its partnership outside the UK, following two promotions in Dubai last year.

Of the other new partners, two are in real estate – Peter Mason in Leeds and Hemal Kotecha in London – while restructuring lawyer James Davison has been made up in London.

Addleshaw Goddard managing partner John Joyce (pictured above) said: “It is always a pleasure to recognise the achievements of individuals operating across the firm and we are thrilled to be able to promote these talented lawyers to partnership. Each individual has demonstrated a strong track record of success and will continue to deliver great value to our clients.”

In its statement, the firm said the latest promotions bring the total number of lawyers added to its partnership this year – including lateral hires – to 19.

However, a number of partners have exited the firm in recent months, including general counsel Simon Callander, who is joining clothing company SuperGroup as GC; litigators Mark Hastings and Clarissa Coleman, who joined Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan and K&L Gates respectively; and Qatar head Hussein Damirji, who joined investment firm LMN Capital Partners.

The promotions come as Addleshaws prepares to merge with Scottish firm HBJ Gateley on 1 May. The firm has also held merger talks with US firm Hunton & Williams and German firm Luther during the past year.